Jaylynn Ward graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Science in Data Journalism. Before this, she graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts focused in Journalism and Political Science. In her career, she was editor in chief of The Optimist, a producer at ACUTV (a sports broadcast through ESPN+), an intern for Congressman Jodey Arrington and a graphic design and public relations intern for Hendrick Medical Center in Texas. Now, she works as a freelance journalist and is a data analyst at Funeral Directors Life.